Web marking and cutting apparatus for xerographic reproducing devices



Oct. 1, 1963 A. J. CERASANI ETAL 3,105,425

WEB MARKING AND CUTTING APPARATUS FOR XEROGRAPHIC REPRODUCING DEVICESFiled April 2, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 & INVENTOR.

AMERICO J. CERASANI JOSEPH J. CODICHINI MILES DAVIS WILLI c LEWIS BY WATTORNEY Oct 1963 A. J. CERASANI ETAL 3,105,425

WEB MARKING AND CUTTING APPARATUS FOR XEROGRAPHIC REPRODUCING DEVICESFiled April 2, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. AMERICO J.CERA5ANI JOSEPHJ. CODICHINI MILES DAVIS WILLIAM G. LEWIS BI ATTORNEY 1963 A. J.CERASANI ETAL 3,105,425

WEB MARKING AND CUTTING APPARATUS FOR XERQGRAPHIC REPRODUCING DEVICESFiled April 2, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 A TTORNE Y MILES DAVIS WILLIAGFLEWIS B) Oct. 1, 1963 A. J. CERASANI ETAL 3, 5

was MARKING AND CUTTING APPARATUS FOR XEROGRAPHIC REPRODUCING DEVICESFiled April 2, 195,9 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. AMERICO J. CERASANIJQSEPH J. CODICHIN MILES DAVlS By W|LL|AM G. LEWIS m (K/4J0 A T TORNE V1963 A. J. CERASANI ETAL 3, 5,

WEB MARKING AND CUTTING APPARATUS FQR XEROGRAPHIC REPRODUCING DEVICESFiled April 2, 1959 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 ILS-I 2/6 204 .90 15-2 205 AMERICOJ. CERASANI JOSEPH J. CODICHINI MILES DAVIS WILLIAM G. LEWIS AT TORNEYOct. 1, 1963 A. J. CERASANI ETAL 3,105,425

WEB MARKING AND CUTTING APPARATUS FOR XEROGRAPHIC REPRODUCING DEVICES 6Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 2, 1959 ll5V SON INVENTOR. AMERICO J.CERASANI JOSEPH J.CODICH|N| MILES DAVIS WlLLlA G. LEWIS rfyw4u ATTORNEYUnited States Patent 3,105,425 WEB MARKING AND CUTTKNG APPARATUS FORXEROGRAPHIC REPRODUCING DEVICES Americo .lames Cerasani, Rochester,Joseph J. Codichini,

Fairport, and Miles Davis and William G. Lewis,

Rochester, N.Y., assignors to Xerox Corporation, a

corporation of New York Filed Apr. 2, 1959, Ser. No. 803,800 4 Claims.(Cl. 951.7)

insulating material on a conductive backing is given a uniform electriccharge over its surface and is then exposed to the subject matter to bereproduced, usually by conventional projection techniques. This exposuredischarges the plate areas in accordance with the radiation intensitythat reaches them, and thereby creates an electrostatic latent image onor in the photoconductive layer. Development of the latent image iseffected with an electrostatically charged, finely divided material suchas an electroscopic powder that is brought into surface contact with thephotoconductive layer and is held thereon electrostatically in a patterncorresponding to the electrostatic latent image. Thereafter, thedeveloped xerographic powder image is usually transferred to a supportsurface to which it may be fixed by any suitable means.

It is the practice on automatic xerographic printers of types such asdisclosed in copending application S.N. 796,561 entitled XerographicReproducing Apparatus, filed March 2, 1959, in the name of Sten R.Johanson, now Patent No. 3,049,968, to operate a continuously movingpaper web support surface from a supply roll to a takeup roll inbetweenwhich xerographic reproductions are printed thereon. Since the originalfrom which the reproduction is formed may vary in dimension, can bereproduced by the xerographic apparatus in magnified relation, or can befed to the xerographic apparatus in untimed relation, a wide variance ofspacing between successive prints may result. web between xerographicprints, exclusive of border width for the prints, is scrap for disposal.Since it is the usual practice to move the paper web at a constant rateof approximately feet per minute (4 inches per second), a continuedabsence of reproduction causes a sizable accumulation of scrap paper onthe takeup roll; as, for example, one minutes hesitation on the part ofa human operator between feeding successive originals to the apparatuseffects approximately 20 feet of scrap paper. On the other hand,accurately timed successive feeding of originals for 11 /2-inchreproductions results in approximately 20 xerographically printedreproductions in the same web length.

Heretofore, the usual practice has been to periodically remove thetakeup roll with the paper web wound thereon to another location whereatthe paper was unwound and with a manually operative cutter, cut the webso as to effect an approximate border on the leading and trailing edgeof each xerographic print. Scrap resulting therefrom was then disposedof. By these former cutting means, considerable delay was incurred ineffecting avail- Blank paper occurring on the r 3,105,425- Patented Oct.1, 1963 ability of the xerographic reproduction and furthermore requiredthe services of additional personnel employed for this specificfunction.

Because of the variable occurrence of the cut on the moving web, acutter mechanism to be effective must be responsive to a reference meanson the web. In order for the :cutter to respond in spaced relation tothe repro duction the reference means must emanate from relation of theoriginal to be reproduced whereby this relation is carried forth to thereproduction on the support surface. When, as here, it is intended tocut the web in relation to both the leading and trailing edge of areproduction, the reference means must be associated with its respectiveedge and be distinguishable in order that the cutter be made to respondaccordingly, that is, to cut the web in advance of a leading edge andafter a trailing edge.

Because of the unwieldly length of scrap that might otherwiseaccumulate, it is also desirable to simulate reference means on scrappaper at regulated intervals in the absence of xerographic reproductionsto which the cutter responds to cut the scrap into prescribed lengths.Since, in the direction of movement, the portion of web following thetrailing edge of a reproduction constitutes scrap, whereas the portionof web following the leading edge of a reproduction constitutes axerographic print, association of reference with the respective cutpermits operation of apparatus to separate scrap and reproductions.Therefore, the simulated reference means on scrap paper isdistinguishable by the cutter mechanism similarly as a trailing edge.Also, the situation occasionally occurs with untimed feeding where twoor more originals are fed in too close succession, i.e., where theleading edge of a follower original is too closely spaced to thetrailing edge of the previous leading original. In such a sitnation, aminimum or insufiicient border width is available for both reproductionssuch that only one cut is possible and because both are reproductionsthe reference means is to be distinguished by the cutter mechanism as aleading edge to effect proper separation and disposition of both.

It is important, therefore, in the combination of situations mentionedabove, that a cutter be responsive to a reference means, that the meansbe effective to distinguish between leading and trailing edges andbetween Xerographic reproduction and scrap and have means of taking intoaccount the close spacing of successive reproductions.

The principal object of this invention is to improve xerographicreproduction apparatus for marking and cutting a web type of surface onwhich xerographic reproductions are formed. A further object of theinvention is to improve apparatus for cutting a border of uniform widthon the leading and trailing edge of xerographic reproductions variablyspaced on a continuously moving web support surface. It is a furtherobject of the inven tion to form electrostatic latent image controlpatterns on a xerographic plate in spaced relation to electrostaticlatent images of copy to be reproduced. It is a further object of thisinvention to form reference means control patterns on a support surfacein spaced relation to xero- -graphic reproductions thereon. A stillfurther object of this invention is to effect separation and respectivedisposal of xerographic reproductions and scrap paper out from a supportsurface. A still further object of this invention is to cut scrap paperoccurring at variable spacing to reproduction on a support surface intomaximum prescribed lengths. These and other objects of the invention areattained by the apparatus herein disclosed and will be apparent from thefollowing description.

A preferred form of the invention is shown in the appended drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevation of an automatic xerographic printeremploying the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the detection apparatus of the inventionover which the transport means of the xerographic unit moves an originalto be reproduced;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the exposure slit and marking apparatusof the invention for forming electrostatic latent image control patternson a xerographic drum;

FIG. 4 is a developed surface of a xerographic drum through the cycle ofcharging, exposing, developing transferring and cleaning;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the marker apparatus of the invention inrelation to a xerographic drum substantially as shown by 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the drive assembly and the reference scanapparatus taken from the opposite side of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a sectional isometric view taken through the scan apparatusillustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view taken from the opposite side ofFIG. 1 illustrating the relation of the knife assembly and the scrapdeflector; and

FIG. 9 is a Wiring diagram.

Referring to FIG. 1, the paper cutter assembly of the invention,generally designated as 1, is shown in operative relation to axerographic unit, generally designated as 2, which includes axerographic plate in the form of drum 10 mounted in suitable bearings inthe frame of the machine and is rotative at constant rate by motor 11.The drum comprises a photoconductive surface 12 on a conductive backingthat is sensitized prior to exposure by means of a screened coronacharging device 13, which may be of the type disclosed in Walkup Patent2,777,957, that is energized from a suitable high potential source.

Exposure of the drum to the light image discharges the photoconductivelayer in the areas struck by light, whereby there remains on the drum anelectrostatic latent image corresponding to the light image projected.To project an opaque original onto surface 12, projection apparatus 3 isemployed which may be of a type disclosed in abovecited copendingapplication entitled Xerographic Reproducing Apparatus. An original tobe reproduced is manually fed from support tray 14 onto endless belts 15Which are continually moved at constant rate proportional to the rate ofmoving web 40 by drive motor 16. As an original moves on the belts, itpasses under glass 17 whereat an optical path is established from whichthe image on the original is reflected from mirror 22, thence through anobjective lens 23 to mirror 24 through variable width exposure slit 25so as to be exposed normal to a first axial portion of surface 12. Lamp26 serves to illuminate the original under glass 17 and also serves toemit light to copy detection device 51 in the absence of originals to bereproduced as described below.

For controlling exposure, the aperture width of exposure slit 25 (seealso FIG. 3) can be varied by dial 93 having a pointer 94 whichindicates the width opening from scale 86 inscribed on the side wall ofsupport 84. Dial 93 is secured to shaft 95 which is rotatably supportedin bearing means 96. Also secured to 95 is pinion 97 meshing with gear98 secured to rotatable shaft 99 which is an extension of support bar143 and to which leaf 144 is secured. Gear 98 meshes with gear 145secured to rotatable shaft 146 which is an extension of support bar 147and to which leaf 148 is secured. Rotation of dial 93 thereby varies theaperture width of slit 25.

After exposure the image is developed by developing apparatus 27, whichmay be of the type disclosed in co- -pending application S.N. 393,058filed November 19, 1953, now abandoned, in the names of Mayo et al. inwhich a two-component developer material 28, which may be of a typedisclosed in Walkup Patent 2,63 8,416, is cascaded over the drumsurface. The developer material is stored at the bottom of housing 29wherefrom conveyor 30, driven by motor 31, scoops the material andreleases it over chute 37 permitting it to slide down and cascade overelectrostatic latent image 76 (see FIG. 4) forming thereon a powderimage 89. As toner component of material 28 is consumed, itis'replenished from dispenser bottle 38 at a rate controlled by variableadjustment 39. After developing, the powder image is electrostaticallytransferred to a paper web support surface 40 by means of a secondcorona generating device 42 similar to corona generating device 13mentioned above.

The support surface is obtained from supply spool 41 and is fed oversuitable guide and tensioning rolls and directed into surface contactwith the drum in the im mediate vicinity of corona generating device 42.After transfer, the supported surface is separated from the drum surfaceand guided through a suitable heat fuser 43, which may be of a typedisclosed in Crumrine et al. Patent 2,- 852,651 whereby the powder imageis permanently affixed to the support surface. Subsequent to thetransfer of the image, residual image 77 on surface 12 is removed bybrush cleaning with brushes 44 driven by motor 45. Web 40 then proceedsthrough cutter 1 as described below.

For detection of reference points on original copy and for effecting afirst electrostatic latent image control pattern 75 on surface 12therefrom, copy detection device 51 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5) has amember 53 with a triangular slit 52 arranged between adjacent belts 15and below glass 17 with the top surface of 53 substantially horizontal.In the absence of original copy transporting on belts 15, light emittedfrom lamp '26 forms an illumination path to photocell 59 by reflectinglight from inclined mirror surface 54 down through slot 56 of enclosure58. Light thereby transmitted is realized by light-sensitive photocell59 housed in enclosure 60, which is characterized by emitting a variableelectrical signal on the realization of light wherein the magnitude ofthe signal varies in accordance with the intensity of illuminationrealized. In the preferred arrangement, the signal emitted decreases inorder of magnitude when there is an obstruction of the illumination pathand increases in order of magnitude when no obstruction exists. Asoriginal copy moves on belts 15 at least a portion thereof effects atemporary obstruction of the illumination path causing cell 59 to emitdiscrete changes in signal output at the incipience of obstruction andunobstruction.

Electrostatic latent image control patterns 75 are formed on a secondaxial portion of surface 12. To produce the pattern, marker assembly 67is operated by the detection device 51. The marker assembly includeslamps 63, 69 and 70, each enclosed in housings 64, 65 and 65respectively secured to support bracket 71 in turn slidably secured on arail portion 72 of marker support frame '73. Each of the lamps are inspaced relation to surface 12 and are staggered along the axial lengthof the drum so that each emits a narrow light beam through apertures oftheir respective housing wherein the beam emitted by lamp is on aperipheral path of surface 12 substantially between the beams of 68 and69 (see FIG. 5). Lamps 68 and 69 are continuously illuminated, whereaslamp 70 is illuminated when the electric circuit components shown inFIG. 9 react in response to the proper order of signal change emitted byphotocell 59 or when energized by other circuit means in the absence oforiginals to be reproduced, as described below. When all of the lampsare simultaneously illuminated they effect a dissipation ofelectrostatic charge in a peripheral band on the second axial drumportion. However, with lamp 70 extinguished, a narrow band on surface 12normally dissipated by the illumination effect of lamp 70 retains itselectrostatic charge and subsequently is developed by apparatus 27 ashereinbefore described (see FIG. 4). By alternate operation of lamp 70at variable frequency of operation and duration dependent upon theobstruction period effected by the :moving copy, an electrostatic latentimage control pattern 75 is formed on surface 12 is spacedrelation toelectrostatic latent image 76 corresponding in spaced relation toreference points on the original having caused obstruction andunobstruction of the illumination path.

As may be more readily seen in FIG. 4, where the obstruction andunobstruction of the illumination path has been caused by the leadingand trailing edges respectively of copy to be reproduced, theelectrostatic latent image control pattern 75 thus formed bears a spacedrelation to the edge of electrostatic latent image 76. It may also beseen that, in the preferred manner of the invention, the successiveperipheral line charges which constitute control pattern 75 occur in thedirection of drum rotation between successive electrostatic latentimages commencing with the trailing edge of one image and terminatingwith the leading edge of the succeeding image.

To effect lateral positioning of the control pattern in relation to theedge of drum (see FIG. 3), control knob 79 is secured to the end ofrotatable lead screw 81 and has a pointer 80 integral thereof by whichthe relative lateral position of marker assembly 67 is indicated fromscale 87. Lead screw 81 is supported in suitable bearing means 82 and 83of stationary supports 84 and 85 respectively whereby lead screw 81engages bracket 71, such that on rotation of knob 79 it effects lateralmovement of bracket 71 and the lamps secured thereto.

In addition to forming a first electrostatic latent image controlpattern in spaced relation to an electrostatic latent image of copy tobe reproduced, it is desirable, in the absence of copy to be reproduced,to effect .a second electrostatic latent image control pattern since theportion of web 40 which will contact that portion of the drum will inits entirety constitute scrap. The second control pattern so establishedforms a signal to which a cutter responsively operative therefrom cutsthe scrap into prescribed lengths. The components for effecting thissecond control pattern are more particularly described in theoperational sequence to follow herein, but, in general, is accomplishedby electric circuit means which illuminate lamp 70 in the absence oforiginal copy, at predetermined frequency of operation and for apredetermined period of operation.

Another situation frequently occurs wherein two successive originals aretoo closely spaced, i.e., the leading edge of a following original iswithin a prescribed minimum distance of the trailing edge of the leadingoriginal and to which the cutter must effect proper response. In thisinstance if obstruction of the illumination path were relied on, thecontrol pattern effected would be too short in length for subsequentdetection and for that reason electric circuit means, as are more fullydescribed in the operational sequence below, precludes less than aminimum extinguish-ment period of lamp 70 so as to result in patternmark 90 on web 40 of at least /2-inch in length.

By the marker apparatus thus described electrostatic latent imagecontrol patterns are formed on a xerographic plate which subsequentlyare developed and transferred to a support surface and translatedtherefrom as a signal to efiect subsequent cutter operation. Whereas thesignal produced is described herein with particular reference to effectoperation of a cutter apparatus, it is apparent that the markerapparatus could be employed to effect marking signals for other purposesas, for example, to fold, punch, or other related operations inreference to a point on the web, or Xerographic reproduction.Furthermore, al though particular emphasis is placed on effectingcontrol patterns in spaced relation to the leading and trailing edges ofxerographic reproductions, variations in apparatus arrangement wouldpermit effecting control patterns in any relation thereto.

For cutting the web the cutter is supported on frame 101 (see FIGS. 6, 7and 8) having side supports 102 and 103 and bottom support 104. Web 40is continuously drawn from supply roll 41 and advanced through the 6paper cutter by the motive force furnished from motor 105. The forcetherefrom is transmitted through speed reducer 106 to shaft 107 securedthereto thence to pulley '108 secured thereon. Nonslip belt 109transmits the motion therefrom to pulley 111, secured to shaft 113,which is rotatably secured to bearing means 114 of side bracket 115supported from side wall 102. Also secured to shaft 113 is gear 121which meshes with gear 122 secured to rotatable shaft 123 supported insuitable bearing means of side walls 102 and 103. This effects drivingof pulley 124, also secured to shaft 123, and wherefrom belt 125transmits the driving force to pulley 126 secured to rotatable shaft 127supported in suitable bearing means 128 and 129 and to which is securedplaten rollers 130. The web passes over id-ler roller and then betweenrollers 137 and 138, of which roller 137, being secured on shaft 123 isrotative therewith. This frictionally drives roller 138 secured onrotatable shaft 139 and supported at opposite ends in bearing means 140of pivot supports 141 (one shown) which are pivotally secured to sidesupports 102 and 103 by pins 142. Roller 138 is urged to frictionallyengage against roller 137 by the resilient spring action of spring 149(one shown) secured bottom support between 104 and pivot support 141.For threading purposes, roller 138 can be spaced away from 137 by theaction of cams 150 (one shown) when rotating handle 151 is secured toshaft 152 so that the rearward end of each pivot support 141 depressesagainst springs 149, lowering roller 138. Therefrom web 40 when passingbetween horizontal guides '153 and 154 is moved by platen roller 130thereagainst. The pressure of 130 applied on web 40 is adjustable byrotation of handle 155 secured to shaft 156 such that pinion 157 alsosecured thereon and engaging rack 158 effects a raising or lowering ofshaft 127.

As the web passes below detector means 167 the area thereof on whichdeveloped pattern marks 90 appear is illuminated by side lights 168 and169. At the incipient detection of a leading edge of mark 90 passinginto view under opening 170 of housing 178 it is reflected from mirror171 through lens 172 held by retainer ring 179 into tube 173 tophotocell 174 which immediately emits a discrete change in electricalsignal through electric circuit means shown in FIG. 9 which constitutesa trailing edge signal. At the incipient detection of the mark passingout from under opening 170, another discrete change in electrical signalis emitted by photocell 174 constituting a leading edge signal. Detectormeans 167 is supported in relation to the web 40 in block 176 supportedby shaft in turn secured at opposite end in stationary bracket 177.

As the web emerges from between guides 153 and 154- it moves betweenknife member 184 in ineffective position and bed plate 185 of the knifeassembly generally designated as 183 (see FIG. 8). The table plate 191is secured by bolts to shock support plate 188 secured to support walls102 and 103 of support frame 101. Secured between table plate 191 andthe shock support plate are resilient shock mounts 192 which absorbvibration induced by cutter operation. Solenoids 197 and 198 are eachmounted on table plate 191 with their plunger elements secured tojournal supports 201 and 202 respectively. Shaft 203 secured in andbetween journals 201 and 202 is rotatably extended through bearings 207of yoke 204. At the forward end of yoke 204, as viewed on FIG. 8,rotatable pin 209 supports bracket 208 which in turn supports knifemember 194. Rear support bracket 210 has a rotatable pin 215 extendingthrough it to maintain the rear of yoke 204 substantially horizontal assolenoids 197 and 198 are actuated to descend knife 184. Bolt 216,extending vertically through 204, on its descent opens normally-closedcontacts lLS-l and 1LS-2 of microswitch 1LS. As knife member 184descends, its rearrnost edge is maintained slidably in contact againstbed plate 185 by rollers 217 and 218 each rotatably secured to a pivotarm 219, in turn pivotally secured by pins 220 to side brackets 221supported from the bed plate. Bolt 222, secured between leaf spring 223and pivot arm 219 urges the rollers firmly against the knife. Fordampening the end of the descending stroke, cylinder 206 includes arubber plug (not shown) which is compressed at the end of stroke by apiston 211 and adjustment knob 205 permits variable setting of thestroke.

After the knife has descended to cut the web, the circuit of solenoids197 and 198 are de-energized as is described in the operational sequencebelow, and springs 224 and 225 secured at their upper end to respectivebrackets 226 and 227 and at their lower end to the knife immediatelyhoist the knife restoring it to ineffective position established by stopblocks 234 and 235.

After cutting the web, it is desired to separate the reproduction fromscrap. For effecting the separation, scrap deflector assembly generallydesignated as 238 is secured to the knife assembly by means ofbifurcated support brackets 239 and 240 such that xerographicreproductions are sorted into document bin 241 and scrap paperaccumulates in scrap bin 242. Platen roller 247 is secured to shaft 248which is rotatably supported in suitable bearing means of supports 239and 240 and is rotated at constant rate by pulley 249 secured theretoand driven by belt 250 driven by pulley 251 secured on shaft 127 (FIG.6). Wheel rollers 252 are secured on shaft 253 which is rotatablysupported in bearing means of supports 239 and 240 wherein rollers 252are rotated by the frictional action thereagainst of platen roller 247.

Deflector 259 is mounted so as to be pivoted on shaft 248 and is securedat its lower end by pin 258 to lateral arm 260 in turn secured toplunger 261 of solenoid 262. Energizing of the solenoid 262 moves arm260 so as to partially rotate deflector 259 in a manner obstructingentrance of web cuttings between rollers 247 and 252 as to deflect themto scrap bin 242. With solenoid 262 de-energized, spring 263 retractsarm 260 and the deflector as to render the deflector in a horizontalplane to guide reproductions thereover into and between rollers 247 and252 emerging into document bin 241.

In operation, all the components of xerographic unit 2 are operative.Corona generating device 13 is continually applying a uniformelectrostatic charge on surface 12 and in the absence of copy a firstaxial portion thereof is substantially dissipated by the exposure ofcontinuous light from lamp 26 being reflected from mirror 22 to lens 23,mirror 24 and through aperture 25. Developing apparatus 27 iscontinually cascading powder 28 over surface 12 and web 40 iscontinuously moved between corona generating device 42 and surface 12,through fuser 43 and through cutter assembly 1 as aforesaid. Lamps 68and 69 are illuminated and photocell 59 realizes an intense illuminationfrom lamp 26.

Referring to FIG. 9, positive rectified direct current is obtained fromthe part of the circuit generally outlined as 267 and negative rectifieddirect current is obtained from the part of the circuit generallydesignated as 268. Switches S1, S2, S-3 and S4 are selectively set tocoincide at any of five optional positions whereby the first position isoff and the cutter apparatus 1 is deenergized. In the remaining switchpositions the cutter apparatus responds to effect operation as (1) cuton lead ing and trailing edge of copy and operate scrap deflector, (2)cut on leading edge only, (3) cut on trailing edge only, and (4) cut onleading and trailing edge only. For discussion purposes it is assumedthat all of the switches have been set to effect cutting on the leadingand trailing edge of xerographic reproductions and also operate thescrap deflector assembly 238. Referring therefore to all figures, copyto be reproduced is first fed from support tray 14 onto moving belts 15.As the copy is moved thereon the leading edge of copy encroaches on slit52 such that when the leading edge effects an obstruction of theillumination path between lamp 26 and detection device 51, photocell 59realizing the decrease in illumination, effects a discrete change inelectrical signal activating pentode V-5 to a bias below cut-off so asto to de-energize relay 1CR. This has the effect of de-energizing relay8CR from contact 1CR-1 and permitting normally closed contact SCR toclose energizing lamp 70. After exposure of the original at the instantthe trailing edge of the copy has passed over slit 52 so as to re-admitlight from lamp 26 to cell 59, the discrete change of signal emitted byphotocell 59 activates the grid of pentode V5 above cut-off, energizingrelay 10R and energizing relay SCR therefrom so as to effect opening ofnormally closed contact 8CR and extinguishing lamp 70. While lamp 70 isextinguished a peripheral path on a second axial portion of surface 12between the illumination of lamps 68 and 69 retains its electrostaticcharge. As succeeding originals are fed onto belts 15 at a rate betweeneach original in excess of a prescribed minimum time, each leading edgein obstructing the -illumination path from lamp 26 to photocell 59 againeffects energizing of lamp 70 so as to commence dissipating the path ofelectrical charge affected by its illumination. The alternatingoperation of lamp 70 effects an electrostatic latent image controlpattern 75 commencing and terminating in spaced relation on surface 12to the trailing and leading edge respectively of successiveelectrostatic latent images 76. These latent images and latent imagecontrol patterns are then xerographically developed, transferred andfixed in the same spaced relation onto support web 40 as aforesaid.

Since mark 90, which constitutes control pattern, is intended as asignal from which a subsequent operation is dependent, the mark must beof sufficient length for its detection. When successive originals areclosely spaced such that less than a minimum mark would be otherwiseeffected between the trailing edge of the leader print and the leadingedge of the follower print, relay 8CR which has been selected having acharacteristic release time of approximately /8 second delays energizingof lamp 70 for A; second. On a web moving at the rate of 4 inches persecond this produces a minimum pattern mark thereon of A2 inch inlength.

In the event there is a prolonged absence of originals supplied to theXerographic apparatus for reproduction while it is operative, the webconsumed constitutes scrap and it is desirable to effect a pattern markfrom which a cutter in response thereto cuts the web into prescribedscrap lengths. With each energizing of relay 1CR (absence of original)relay 7CR is energized in addition to relay 8CR. However, relay 7CR ischaracterized by an operating relay of approximately 2 seconds so as topermit effecting a pattern mark of approximately 8 inches before thenormally open contacts 7CR-2 energize lamp 70. When relay 7CR becomesoperative, capacitor C-11 is discharged so as to release 7CR in itscharacteristic release time of approximately second, thereby energizinglamp 70 for A; second and effecting /2 inch interruption of patternmark. With a continued absence of originals, this cycle is repeatedeffecting 8 inch border marks and /2 inch interruptions. In the eventcopy to be reproduced are fed to the apparatus in the interim, theillumination path obstruction effects deenergizing relay lCR andconsequently relay 7CR. After emerging from the xerographic apparatus 2,web 40, bearing xerographically reproduced image 91 and control patternmark 90, moves into paper cutter assembly 1. The surface area on web 40occupied by the xerographic control pattern mark 90 is continuallyilluminated by lamps 168 and 169 and at the incipience of a pattern markdetection or detection of its termination sensed by detector means 167,a discrete change in electrical signal is emitted by photocell 174. Onincipient detection of a border mark, or a decrease in illumination atphotocell 174, the discrete change of signal emitted decreases in orderof magnitude and corresponds to a trailing edge signal whereas onincipient detection of border mark termination, or increase inillumination at photocell 174, the discrete change of signal emittedincreases in order of magnitude and corresponds to a leading edgesignal.

On detection of a leading edge signal, the signal of 174 is transmittedthrough amplifier circuit 269 and differentiating circuit 270 andthrough triode V-7B to energize relay 3CR through normally closedcontacts of 1LS2 and 4CR-2 thereby closing contacts 3CR-1 and 3CR-2.Contact 3CR-1 closes to form a holding circuit through triode V8BWhereas 3CR-2 energizes timing clutch 273 of timer 274 to start thetiming cycle. When timer 274, having a preset time delay, energizescontacts 1TR-2 and 1TR-3, relay 4CR and solenoids 197 and 198 aresimultaneously operated thereby opening contact 4CR2 and descendingknife 184 to cut web 40 in spaced relation to a leading edge of axerographic reproduction. As the cutter completes its downward stroke,bolt 216 strokes microswitch 1LS1 and 1LS-2 opening their normallyclosed contacts. Since 40R and the solenoids are energized by timer 274,the contacts of 4CR-2 are open as the knife completes its downwardstroke and the holding circuit of relay 3CR is opened by opening 1LS-2to de-energize clutch 273, restoring timer 274 to its original position,and de-energizing the solenoids and releasing relay 4CR. As solenoids197 and 198 are de-energized, springs 224 and 225 instantly hoist theknife to ineffective position.

On detection of a trailing edge signal, a pulse applied to the grid oftriode V7A from photocell 174, is transmitted through amplifier circuit269 and differentiating circuit 271 to effect energizing of relay 2CRthrough normally closed contacts of 1LS1 and 5CR2. Contact 2CR1 of relay2CR is closed to form a holding circuit through triode V8A, whereascontact 2CR-2 energizes clutch 278 of timer 279 having a preset timedelay to start the timing cycle. When timer contacts 2TR2 and 2TR3 areenergized they operate relay SCRand solenoids 197 and 198 of the cutterdescending the knife to cut web 40 in spaced relation to a trailing edgeof a xerographic reproduction. As the cutter completes its downwardstroke, bolt 216 strikes microswitch lLS-l and 1LS2 opening theirnormally closed contacts. Since 50R and the solenoids are energized bytimer 279, the normally closed contacts 5CR2 are open as the knifecompletes its downward stroke and the holding circuit of relay 2CR isopened by lLS-l to effect release. Opening then of 2CR-2 ,de-energizesclutch 278 restoring timer 279 to its original position andde-energizing relay SCR and the solenoids. As solenoids 197 and 198 arede-energized, the knife is restored to ineffective position as before.To operate scrap deflector 259, energizing of relay SCR on the trailingedge signal energizes relay 6CR from contact SCR-l closing contact 6CR-1to hold the circuit closed while 6CR-2 is closed to energize solenoid262 and effect scrap deflector operation. Solenoid 262 remains soenergized until a leading edge signal is received energizing relay 4CRso as to open contact 4CR1.

If, however, as stated previously, twosuccessive originals have followedclosely so as to effect a minimum .-inch border mark between. separatereproductions, it is desired to effect a single cut to separate the tworeproductions whereby the cut is characterized by a leading edge signalto result in both reproductions being disposed into document bin 241.After triode V8A has formed a holding circuit with relay 2CR on atrailing edge signal, and a leading edge signal is received by triodeV7B within a maximum prescribed time after V7A has received the trailingsignal, the signal of V7B has the effect of lowering the grid bias ofV8A below cut-off opening the holding circuit of 2CR and eliminating therailing edge signal. If, however, the signal to V7B has been receivedbeyond the maximum prescribed time after receipt of signal by V-7A, thevoltage across capacitor C15 will have amassed capacity whereby thesignal of V7B imparted to triode V8A is insufficient to lower the gridbias of V8A below cut off.

An analogous situation occurs wherein a /2-inch interruption in patternmark is detected in the case of extended scrap length. However, in thissituation, the first signal received is equivalent to a leading edgesignal and the second signal is equivalent to a trailing edge signal.Again, as before, when successive signals are received within aprescribed maximum time, it is desired to give effect to the secondsignal and negate or eliminate the first thereby to effect a cut in thisinstance characterized by a trailing edge signal so as to operate thescrap deflector 259 in conjunction therewith and direct scrap into bin242. After triode V8B has formed a holding circuit with relay 3CR on aleading edge signal and then a trailing edge signal is received bytriode V7A within a maximum prescribed time after V7B has received itssignal, the signal received by V7A has the effect of lowering the gridbias of V-8'B below cut off opening the holding circuit of 3CR andeliminating the leading edge signal. However, where the signal to V7Ahas been received beyond the maximum prescribed time after receipt ofsignal by V7B, the voltage across capacitor C-17 will have amassedcapacity whereby the signal of V7A imparted to triode VSB isinsufficient to lower the grid bias of VSB below cut off.

In the preferred arrangement of the apparatus with detector means 167located approximately two inches from knife member 184, it is readilyconceivable that a trailing edge control pattern and leading edgecontrol pattern following in relatively close succession will producetwo cut signals before the cutter operates. Contacts 4CR2 and 5CR2 areoperatively opened only on a leading or trailing edge out respectivelyto assure that each of the signals effect their separate out.

By the apparatus thus described there is disclosed apparatus for markingand cutting a web type surface on which xerographic reproductions areformed. There is also disclosed apparatus for forming electrostaticlatent image control patterns on a xerographic drum in spaced relationto an electrostatic latent image of copy to be reproduced and apparatusto cut a continuous web in spaced relation to the leading and trailingedges of a xerographic reproduction printed thereon at variable spacing.Additional means are disclosed for effecting separation of xerographicreproductions from scrap.

Since many changes could be made in the above construction and manyapparently widely different embodiments of this invention could be madewithout departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all mattercontained in the drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A cutting apparatus for use with an automatic xerographic printer tocut a moving web support surface in spaced relation to the leading andtrailing edges of xerographic reproductions formed thereon wherein thexerographic printer includes xerographic means to form leading andtrailing edge control patterns on the web support surface in spacedrelation to the leading and trailing edges of reproductionsxerographically formed thereon; said cutting apparatus including incombination a movable cutting knife suitably supported in close relationto the moving web, means to operate said knife, pattern detector meansarranged in scanning relation to the web and capable of distinguishingbetween the leading and trailing edge control patterns and which ondetection of each control pattern emits distinguishable discrete changesof electrical signal, electric circuit means distinguishably responsiveto said discrete signal changes to energize said knife operating means,said circuit means including a first time delay means energized ondetection of a leading edge pattern, a second time delay means energizedon detection of a trailing edge pattern, whereby each of said time delaymeans delays knife operation until the leading or trailing edgerespectively is in prescribed spaced relation to said knife 2. A cuttingapparatus for use with an automatic Xerographic printer to cut a movingweb support surface in spaced relation to the leading and trailing edgesof successive Xerographic reproductions variably spaced theron whereinthe Xerographic printer includes Xerographic means to form leading andtrailing edge control patterns on the web support surface in spacedrelation to the leading and trailing edges of successive reproductionsxerographically formed thereon at variable spacing; said cuttingapparatus including in combination a movable cutting knife suitablysupported in close relation to the moving web, means to operate saidknife, pattern detector means arranged in scanning relation to the weband capable of distinguishing between leading and trailing edge controlpatterns and which on detection of each control pattern emitsdistinguishable discrete changes of electrical signal, electric circuitmeans distinguishably responsive to said discrete signal changes toenergize said knife operating means, said circuit means including afirst time delay means energized on detection of a leading edge pattern,a second time delay means energized on detection of a trailing edgepattern whereby each of said time delay means delays knife operationuntil a leading or trailing edge respectively is in prescribed spaced'relation to said knife, means in said circuit to eliminate the effectof a trailing edge pattern detection when a leading edge pattern isdetected Within an established time after said trailing edge patterndetection.

3. A cutting apparatus for use with an automatic Xerographic printer tocut a moving web support surface in spaced relation to the leading andtrailing edges of xerographic reproductions variably spaced thereon andin the absence of reproduction thereon to cut the Web into prescribedlengths, wherein said Xerographic printer includes Xerographic means toform leading and trailing edge control patterns on the web supportsurface in spaced relation to the leading and trailing edgesofreproductions Xerographically formed thereon at variable spacing and inthe absence of copy to be reproduced Xerographically to form scrapcontrol patterns at prescribed spacings; said cutting apparatusincluding in combination a movable cutting knife suitably supported inclose rela tion to the moving web, means to operate said knife, patterndetector means arranged in scanning relation to the web and which ondetection of each control pattern emits discrete changes of electricalsignal, electric circuit means distinguishably responsive to saiddiscrete signal changes to energize said knife operating means, saidcircuit means including means to delay knife operation until a leadingor trailing edge respectively is in pre scribed spaced relation to saidknife, means to eliminate the effect of a trailing edge patterndetection when a leading edge pattern is detected within an establishedtime after a trailing edge pattern detection, and means on detection ofa scrap control pattern to effect knife operation in prescribed spacedrelation to said pattern.

,4. A cutting apparatus for use with an automatic Xerographic printer tocut a moving web support surface in spaced relation to the leading andtrailing edges of Xerographic reproductions variably spaced thereon, tocut the web in the absence of reproduction thereon into prescribedlengths and after cutting to separate Xerographic reproductions. fromscrap, wherein said Xerographic printer includes means toXerographically form leading and trailing edge control patterns on theWeb support surface in spaced relation to the leading and trailing edgesof reproductions Xerogra'phically formed thereon at variable spacing andin the absence of copy to be reproduced xerographically to form scrapcontrol patterns at prescribed spacings thereon; said cutting apparatusincluding in combination a movable cutting knife suitably supported inclose relation to the moving web, means to operate said knife, patterndetector means arranged in scanning relation to the web which ondetection of each control pattern emits discrete changes of electricalsignal, electric circuit means distinguishably responsive to saiddiscrete signal changes to energize said knife operating means, saidcircuit means including means to delay knife operation until a leadingor trailing edge respectively is in prescribed spaced relation to saidknife, means to eliminate the effect of trailing edge pattern detectionwhen a leading edge pattern is detected Within an established time aftera trailing edge pattern detection, and means on detection of a scrapcontrol pattern to effect cutter operation in prescribed spaced relationto said pattern; a first receiving bin to store cut xerographicreproductions, a second receiving bin to store cut scrap, means todisburse reproductions to said first bin and scrap to said second bin.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,300,191 Pogue Apr. 8, 1919 1,946,457 Donnelley et al. Feb. 6, 19342,047,221 Pechy July 14, 1936 2,329,392 Crane Sept. 14, 1936 2,647,032Holiday et al. July 28, 1953 2,674,308 Knobel Apr. 6, 1954 2,732,775Young et al Jan. 31, 1956 2,890,633 Huebner June 16, 1959

1. A CUTTING APPARATUS FOR USE WITH AN AUTOMATIC XEROGRAPHIC PRINTER TOCUT A MOVING WEB SUPPORT SURFACE IN SPACED RELATION TO THE LEADING ANDTRAILING EDGES OF XEROGRAPHIC REPRODUCTIONS FORMED THEREON WHEREIN THEXEROGRAPHIC PRINTER INCLUDES XEROGRAPHIC MEANS TO FORM LEADING ANDTRAILING EDGE CONTROL PATTERNS ON THE WEB SUPPORT SURFACE IN SPACEDRELATION TO THE LEADING AND TRAILING EDGES OF REPRODUCTIONSXEROGRAPHICALLY FORMED THEREON; SAID CUTTING APPARATUS INCLUDING INCOMBINATION A MOVABLE CUTTING KNIFE SUITABLY SUPPORTED IN CLOSE RELATIONTO THE MOVING WEB, MEANS TO OPERATE SAID KNIFE, PATTERN DETECTOR MEANSARRANGED IN SCANNING RELATION TO THE WEB AND CAPABLE OF DISTINGUISHINGBETWEEN THE LEADING AND TRAILING EDGE CONTROL PATTERNS AND WHICH ONDETECTION OF EACH CONTROL PATTERN EMITS DISTINGUISHABLE DISCRETE CHANGESOF ELECTRICAL SIGNAL, ELECTRIC CIRCUIT MEANS DISTINGUISHABLY RESPONSIVETO SAID DISCRETE SIGNAL CHANGES TO ENERGIZE SAID KNIFE OPERATING MEANS,SAID CIRCUIT MEANS INCLUDING A FIRST TIME DELAY MEANS ENERGIZED ONDETECTION OF A LEADING EDGE PATTERN, A SECOND TIME DELAY MEANS ENERGIZEDON